Flying car company granted FAA certificate, aims for 2025 release

(TND) — A flying car company has received special airworthiness certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.

California-based Alef Aeronautics says it’s working on a car that will be street-legal with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.

"We're excited to receive this certification from the FAA,” CEO Jim Dukhovny said in a news release. “It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week.

This is a one small step for planes, one giant step for cars.”

Alef says its flying car is electric, with a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles.

The company says its car is being designed to fit within the existing urban infrastructure for driving and parking. And it has flight stabilization systems and safety features, such as enclosed propellers and a full-vehicle ballistic parachute.

The two-occupant car has been on preorder since the fall, and they hope to start delivering the cars by late 2025.

The cars carry a $300,000 price tag, with preorder deposits ranging from $150 to $1,500.

The company said in January that it had received over 440 preorders.

An FAA spokesperson confirmed with Fox Business that the government issued a special airworthiness certificate last month. That allows the company to use the flying car in a limited way, including exhibitions, research and development.

Alef says the FAA is working on policies pertaining to such a vehicle.

Alef was founded in 2015 and has been testing the Alef full-size prototype since 2019.

The company says it’s also working on a four-person sedan, which it hopes to release next decade.